Franck Dental Blog

How Does Invisalign® Work? A Step-by-Step Explanation

Oct 9, 2023

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign® clear aligners work their magic to straighten teeth? What’s the secret behind their effectiveness, sometimes even faster than traditional braces? Here, we’ll explore the science behind Invisalign in Kennett Square and how these almost invisible plastic trays help guide your teeth into alignment.

woman smiles and hold her aligners after invisalign kennett square treatment

How Does Invisalign Work?

Understanding Your Dental Needs and Creating Custom Aligners

To kickstart your Invisalign treatment, your dentist uses scans and molds to capture detailed images of your teeth. These images provide a clear and precise view of any dental issues that require correction, such as crowded teeth, gaps, or misalignment.

Based on the information obtained from these scans and molds, your dentist creates an exact 3D model of your mouth. This digital model serves as the foundation for designing your customized aligners.

It’s worth noting that you won’t receive just one aligner; you’ll be provided with a series of them. The number of aligners in your series depends on your unique treatment plan. These aligners are designed to be changed at regular intervals, typically every two weeks. This step is crucial in the process of how Invisalign works.

Why Multiple Aligners and the Need for Change?

Now, you might wonder why you receive a series of aligners instead of just one. Each aligner exerts controlled and gentle pressure on specific areas of your teeth, coaxing them to move in the desired direction.

However, as your teeth start to shift, the aligner’s effectiveness decreases. This is why changing to a new aligner every two weeks is crucial—it ensures that the pressure remains consistent, and your teeth continue to progress toward their ideal positions.

This regular change of aligners also allows for ongoing monitoring of your progress by your dentist or orthodontist. They will assess how well your teeth are responding to the treatment, make any necessary adjustments, and provide you with the next set of aligners.

How Clear Plastic Aligners Exert Pressure

How are these seemingly small and transparent plastic aligners capable of shifting your teeth? Sometimes even faster than traditional wire brackets. Here’s a closer look at the science behind it:

Microscopic Changes: The magic lies in the planning of your treatment. The aligners are crafted with tiny, incremental changes from one set to the next. These changes are calculated to encourage your teeth to move gradually but consistently.

Force Distribution: Despite their clear and lightweight appearance, these aligners are designed to apply force strategically. They press on specific teeth while allowing others to remain unaffected. This targeted force application is made possible by advanced computer-aided design.

Gentle Pressure: The aligners apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth. This pressure is within a safe and effective range for tooth movement. Over time, this pressure encourages your teeth to shift as the surrounding bone undergoes gradual remodeling.

invisalign in kennett square case

Interested in Invisalign in Kennett Square?

As we’ve explored, there are numerous factors that contribute to the effectiveness of Invisalign, from the initial scans to the carefully planned steps. Each phase serves a crucial purpose in guiding your teeth toward their ideal alignment.

If you’re considering Invisalign as the solution to achieve your dream smile, you’re on the right path. Reach out to C. Christian Franck Dental to start your journey toward a straighter, more confident smile with Invisalign. Your path to a beautiful smile awaits!

Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries

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C. Christian Franck, DDS

721 East Baltimore Pike Suite 301
Kennett Square, PA 19348